New women's forces meet in Verona
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Article summary
In 2007/08 ASD CF Bardolino Verona and Olympique Lyonnais reached their first UEFA Women's Cup semi-finals and one of those will be involved again next spring after their last-eight tie which kicks off on Thursday.
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Gabbiadini back
Lyon were making their debut in the competition a year ago while Bardolino had never reached the knockout phase before, but both are now widely considered among Europe's strongest forces and tellingly their combined league records this season consist of eleven wins and one draw. Italian champions Bardolino made it three out of three in Serie A by beating ACF Torino 5-0 on Sunday, winger Melania Gabbiadini striking twice to show no ill-effects after her recent thigh injury.
Optimism
Coach Renato Longega said: "We have proved to be in good form so I'm certainly optimistic ahead of the game against Lyon. Reaching the knockout stage was one of our main targets for the first part of the season; now we will try to go as far as possible." Goalkeeper Carla Brunozzi added: "We want to play well against Lyon with many fans supporting us at the Stadio Bentegodi. For us it's a very important game. building on the good results of last season will mean more people coming to the stadium and attracting the interest of the media."
Unknown quantity
As for the opposition, Bardolino midfielder Alessia Tuttino admitted: "Honestly we don't know Lyon that well. We have to think about our own style and play the way we like, keeping possession and attacking down the flanks. It will be crucial for us to manage to play this way on Thursday."
Free-scoring
Lyon were on spectacular form in the second qualifying round, scoring 18 goals in three games and finishing off with a 3-0 defeat of 2007 winners Arsenal LFC. They are yet to lose over 90 minutes in Europe, bowing out last year against Umeå IK on away goals after two draws, and scored nine without reply against FCF Condé sur Noireau on Saturday.
International talent
A list of the goalscorers in that game shows the international strength Lyon have, with Sweden's Lota Shelin, Brazilian striker Katia and France's Sandrine Bretigny all on target twice, with Camille Abily, Elodie Thomis and promising Costa Rican Shirley Cruz Trana also chipping in. Add to that the likes of former Norway goalkeeper Bente Nordby and playmaker Louisa Necib, and there is no doubt that Lyon are serious contenders. They should certainly attract a big crowd for the return at Stade de Gerland on 18 November.